Current:Home > NewsNew evidence means freedom for a Michigan man who spent 37 years in prison for a murder conviction-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
New evidence means freedom for a Michigan man who spent 37 years in prison for a murder conviction
lotradecoin reports View Date:2024-12-26 01:33:28
DETROIT (AP) — A man who served nearly 40 years in prison for a Detroit-area murder won’t face another trial after a judge threw out his conviction based on new evidence.
The decision by prosecutors means Paul Clark, who has been out on bond since May, is free — for good.
“I just can’t believe it. I have waited for this day my entire life,” said Clark’s daughter, DeAngelic Clark, 36, who was born shortly after he was sent to prison in 1987.
Clark was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting of Trifu Vasilije during an attempted robbery in Highland Park. Clark has repeatedly expressed his innocence but appeals failed for years.
The effort took a major turn in 2020, with assistance from the Innocence Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School. The Wayne County prosecutor’s office uncovered a police mugshot of a man who had been arrested in 1987 for a similar homicide in Highland Park.
The photo showed a large, fresh scar on the man’s face. That wound was significant: Vasilije was found with a knife in his hand when he was killed.
Clark’s lawyer wasn’t given that mugshot before the 1987 trial. It could have raised doubt about the prosecutors’ case, Judge Mark Slavens said in April.
“There is a significant possibility the defendant may actually be innocent,” Slavens said of Clark.
In court Tuesday, prosecutors said they would not take Clark to trial again. There was no immediate comment Wednesday from spokeswoman Maria Miller.
Attorney Shereef Akeel, who is working on a possible lawsuit on Clark’s behalf, told the Detroit Free Press that “we witnessed justice.”
“Unfortunately, there are many other innocent men and women fighting to prove their innocence,” Akeel said.
veryGood! (3341)
Related
- How 'Millionaire' host Jimmy Kimmel helped Team Barinholtz win stunning top prize
- Target's new Diane von Furstenberg collection: Fashionistas must act fast to snag items
- Juries find 2 men guilty of killing a 7-year-old boy in 2015 street shooting
- As Russia mourns concert hall attack, some families are wondering if their loved ones are alive
- Wally Amos, 88, of cookie fame, died at home in Hawaii. He lost Famous Amos but found other success
- Dollar Tree is closing 600 Family Dollar stores in the US, and the locations are emerging
- March Madness Sweet 16 dates, times, TV info for 2024 NCAA Tournament
- Kansas started at No. 1 and finished March Madness with a second-round loss. What went wrong?
- 'RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars': Premiere date, cast, where to watch and stream
- Geomagnetic storm from a solar flare could disrupt radio communications and create a striking aurora
Ranking
- 'Love Island UK' stars Molly-Mae Hague, Tommy Fury announce split after 5 years
- Riley Strain: Timeline from student's disappearance until his body was found in Nashville
- Stellantis recalls nearly 285,000 Dodge, Chrysler cars over potentially deadly airbag defect
- King Charles, relatives and leaders express support for Princess Kate after cancer diagnosis
- Police identify suspect in break-in of Trump campaign office in Virginia
- Pharmacist and her license were targeted by scammers. How to avoid becoming a victim.
- Target's new Diane von Furstenberg collection: Fashionistas must act fast to snag items
- Michigan hiring Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May as next men's basketball coach
Recommendation
-
NASA Shares Update on Astronauts Stuck Indefinitely in Space
-
Rihanna Is a Good Girl Gone Blonde With Epic Pixie Cut Hair Transformation
-
For the first time, Russia admits it's in a state of war with Ukraine
-
March Madness games today: Everything to know about NCAA Tournament schedule Saturday
-
Streamer stayed awake for 12 days straight to break a world record that doesn't exist
-
This NBA star always dreamed of being a teacher. So students in Brooklyn got the substitute teacher of a lifetime.
-
Mega Millions jackpot soars $1.1 billion. This one number hasn't won for months in lottery
-
NASCAR COTA race 2024: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix